As he spoke, he adroitly threw the noose over Frank's head, and drew it
tight around his neck. Then, seizing him by the shoulders, he pushed him
against the wall, under the hook, and pulled down on the lasso, until
Frank began to rise on his toes. This was intended merely to give him a
foretaste of what was in store for him.

"Now you know how it feels," said Pierre, slackening up on the rope,
"and you ought to know, by this time, that I am not playing with you. I
am in sober earnest, and if you don't answer my question, I'll hang
you, right here in your own room, and with your own lasso. This is your
last chance! Where's that key?"

Frank hesitated.




CHAPTER V.

THE FIGHT IN THE COURT.


Frank was certainly in a predicament. He had his choice between
revealing the hiding-place of the office key, and being hanged with his
own lasso--a most disagreeable alternative. On one side was a lingering
death, and on the other, something of which Frank stood almost as much
in awe--disgrace. Never before had so heavy a responsibility rested upon
him; and if he lost that money, what other evidence would be needed to
prove that he was not worthy of being trusted?